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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Breakdown summary
Brief summary
The Breakdown by B.A. Paris is a gripping psychological thriller that follows Cass as she grapples with paranoia and fear after witnessing a murder. As she begins to doubt her own memory and sanity, the tension builds to a shocking climax.
Table of Contents
The Breakdown
Summary of key ideas
The Start of a Mental Breakdown
In The Breakdown by B. A. Paris, we are introduced to Cass Anderson, a woman who is struggling with guilt and anxiety after witnessing a murder. The story begins with Cass driving home from a party on a stormy night. She takes a shortcut through the woods, despite her husband's warnings, and comes across a car parked on the side of the road. She sees a woman inside but decides not to stop and offer help due to the weather and her husband's concerns about her safety.
The next day, Cass learns that the woman in the car was murdered. Consumed by guilt, she begins to experience memory lapses and anxiety attacks. She also starts receiving silent calls, which she believes are from the killer. Her mental state deteriorates as she becomes increasingly convinced that she is being watched and that the murderer is targeting her.
Unraveling of Reality
As the story progresses, Cass's mental breakdown intensifies. She becomes paranoid, unable to trust her own judgment, and starts to question her sanity. Her husband, Matthew, is supportive at first, but he grows frustrated with her behavior and the toll it takes on their relationship. Cass's best friend, Rachel, also tries to help but is unaware of the extent of Cass's struggles.
Meanwhile, Cass discovers that the silent calls are actually from her own phone, which she has been misplacing due to her memory lapses. She also learns that she has been withdrawing large sums of money from her bank account, but she has no recollection of doing so. These revelations further fuel her fear and paranoia, and she becomes increasingly isolated.
Twists and Turns
As the plot thickens, Cass begins to suspect that someone close to her might be gaslighting her, manipulating her into believing she is losing her mind. She becomes fixated on the idea that the killer is someone she knows and trusts. Her suspicions fall on Matthew, Rachel, and even herself, as she starts to question her own actions and memories.
Amidst all this, Cass uncovers a crucial piece of evidence that could identify the real killer. However, her mental state makes it difficult for her to trust her judgment, and she struggles to decide whether to act on her findings. The tension in the story reaches its peak as Cass grapples with her fear, paranoia, and the need to uncover the truth.
The Shocking Truth
In the final act of The Breakdown, the truth is revealed in a shocking twist. Cass discovers that the real killer is a person she never suspected, and the events that led to the murder were not as straightforward as they seemed. The revelation forces Cass to confront her fears and take action to protect herself and those she cares about.
In the end, Cass finds closure and begins to heal from the trauma she endured. She also learns to trust her instincts and regain control over her life. The story concludes with a sense of resolution, but the impact of the events on Cass's mental health lingers, leaving the reader with a haunting reminder of the fragility of the human mind.
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What is The Breakdown about?
The Breakdown by B. A. Paris is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. When Cass takes a shortcut through the woods and sees a car parked on the side of the road, she doesn't stop to help. The next day, she finds out that the woman in the car has been murdered. Haunted by guilt and fear, Cass starts to unravel as she begins receiving silent phone calls and forgetting things. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she realizes that someone is watching her every move.
The Breakdown Review
The Breakdown (2017) is a thrilling psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its suspenseful plot twists and unexpected turns, it will keep you guessing until the very end.
- The book explores the complexity of human psychology and the fragility of the human mind, making it a gripping and thought-provoking read.
- Through its compelling characters and their intertwined relationships, it delves into the darker aspects of human nature, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Who should read The Breakdown?
- Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers
- Those who like stories with unreliable narrators
- People who are interested in exploring the complexities of memory and perception
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The Breakdown FAQs
What is the main message of The Breakdown?
The main message of The Breakdown is the power of a single decision and its far-reaching consequences.
How long does it take to read The Breakdown?
The reading time for The Breakdown varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Breakdown a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Breakdown is a gripping psychological thriller, definitely worth reading for fans of suspenseful stories.
Who is the author of The Breakdown?
The author of The Breakdown is B. A. Paris.
How many chapters are in The Breakdown?
The Breakdown has 38 chapters.
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3...
How many pages are in The Breakdown?
The Breakdown contains 336 pages.
When was The Breakdown published?
The Breakdown was published in 2017.
What to read after The Breakdown?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Breakdown, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher